I have to admit that the way information passes on the internet is largely a huge mystery to me. And I must also admit that I had no idea that the Graco folks had a blog. But somehow they knew about us! You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered that Julia’s Bookbag was mentioned on the Graco blog, Heart to Heart, as being a helpful source when looking for great books for babies and toddlers!

Once I picked my jaw up off from the floor, I was able to respond to the question posed on the post as to which books one would consider a “must have” and “most loved”.

When it comes to toddler books, that one is an easy, no brainer for me. I’ll vote for Margaret Wise Brown’s ‘The Little Fur Family’ every time.

The story details a day in the life of a little Fur Child as he visits his grandpa, observes a fish, plays with a ball, kisses a tiny wee animal creature on its head and watches the sun go down, before running home for his supper and his bath. Simple and sweet, with the most charming illustrations by the legendary Garth Williams (‘Stuart Little’ and ‘Charlotte’s Web’).

I’m just going to put myself out there and say it. This is my favorite Kid Book of All Time. I have a great many favorites, for different age groups and whatnot, but this one, it tops my list. The art, the story, the feel of it – it just paints such a fantastic little world based around these creatures – I think it’s perfect.

Question. As much as I adore this book, I’m not sure what the Fur Child actually is. HE looks like a bear. The Mama kind of resembles a badger. The Daddy looks like a big, black, shaggy dog. So your guess is as good as mine as to what type of animal is at play here! I think we’re not supposed to know, thus the name “Little Fur Family”.

My favorite part is at the end, when the Little Fur Child is going to bed, and his Mama and Daddy sing to him.

“Sleep, sleep, our little fur child,

Out of the windiness,

Out of the wild.

Sleep warm in your fur

All night long,

In your little fur family.

This is a song.”

I’ve been reading this book to Julia since she was one and a half years old. We’re still reading it! Best book EVER.

Thanks again Graco for giving us the shout-out! This is going to teach me that all the bolding, underlining and italicizing I engage in all too often is really a Good Thing, despite my husband’s assertions to the contrary. (He calls it ‘internet shouting’. I call it emphasizing.)

Meet Melissa

I'm the creator of Julia's Bookbag and Julia's Book Boxes. Ask me about ordering the current book surprise box! Vintage, current, and unique book finds are my passion, along with treats, teas, and all things cozy.